Question Overview: Print design is a critical part of the graphic design industry, and a candidate’s experience with print can tell you how well they understand the nuances of this medium.
Sample Answer: I’ve designed everything from business cards to brochures to annual reports. I’ve also worked with clients to develop their brand’s identity system and create collateral that aligns with their brand guidelines.
Question Overview: This question will reveal if a candidate has a strong attachment to their work and is able to articulate why they’re proud of it. It will also help you understand how they view their own work, which can be a good indicator of how they will view the work of others.
Sample Answer: My favorite piece in my portfolio is a campaign I designed for a local nonprofit. I was able to use my design skills to help the organization raise awareness about an important issue in our community.
Question Overview: This question can reveal if a candidate is actively looking for a new job and if they’re open to new opportunities. It can also help you determine if they’re currently happy in their role or if they’re ready to move on.
Sample Answer: I’m ready for a new challenge and I’m excited to work with a company that values design as much as I do.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well a candidate can use a graphic design tool. InDesign is a popular software used to create print and digital designs, so knowing how to use it will be an important part of the job.
Sample Answer: I had no experience using InDesign when I first started my previous role, but I was able to learn the basics in a few days. I found the software intuitive and easy to use, and I was able to quickly create professional-looking designs.
Question Overview: Graphic designers who are proficient in multiple languages can communicate with a much larger audience and work with clients across the globe. This question will help you determine if a candidate has the language skills to work internationally.
Sample Answer: I’m most proficient in English, but I’m also fluent in Spanish.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to gauge a candidate’s ability to communicate their experience and skills in a clear, concise manner. It also gives you the opportunity to learn more about their background and determine if they have the experience and skills you’re looking for.
Sample Answer: I’m a highly organized, detail-oriented graphic designer with over five years of experience in the industry. I’ve worked with a variety of clients across different industries, including healthcare, retail and financial services. I’m passionate about design and have a strong desire to create beautiful, effective designs that solve problems for my clients.
Question Overview: This question will reveal how a candidate responds to failure and what they learned from the experience. Candidates who can admit their mistakes and take responsibility for them are more likely to succeed in your organization.
Sample Answer: I once designed a logo for a client that was too similar to another design in their industry. I didn’t notice the similarities until the client pointed them out, so I had to go back and redesign the logo. I learned that it’s important to take a step back from my work and look at it from a different perspective before submitting it.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to gauge how a candidate has grown professionally and what they’ve learned from their past experiences. It will also help you determine if they’re a good cultural fit for your company.
Sample Answer: I learned that it’s important to take time for yourself and your family. I used to work long hours and weekends, but now I make sure I have time for my family and friends. I also learned that it’s important to take risks and try new things. I used to be afraid of failure, but now I embrace it because it allows me to learn and grow.
Question Overview: Graphic designers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality work. This question will reveal how a candidate handles stressful situations and how they manage their time to meet these deadlines.
Sample Answer: I’m a very organized person, so I always make a schedule for myself and stick to it. I also have a great support system at home, so I’m able to decompress after a long day at the office.
Question Overview: Graphic designers use a variety of software to create their designs, so it’s important to know which programs a candidate is comfortable using and which they’re proficient in.
Sample Answer: I’ve used Adobe Photoshop for over 10 years and have also worked with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Acrobat. I’m also familiar with Microsoft Office and have used Microsoft Visio for flowcharts and wireframes.
Question Overview: This question will reveal if a candidate is willing to travel for work, which can be a major time commitment. It’s important to know if they’re willing to travel because you might need them to attend an event or conference in another city.
Sample Answer: I’m willing to travel anywhere within the continental United States for an assignment. I’m also willing to travel internationally if the project is worth it.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to gauge a candidate’s personality and work ethic. It will also give you a sense of how they view themselves and their work.
Sample Answer: My friends would say I’m a creative, hardworking individual who is always looking for new ways to improve my craft. They would also say I’m very passionate about graphic design and am constantly pushing myself to learn more about the industry.
Question Overview: Designers must be able to accept constructive criticism and use it to improve their work. This question will reveal if a candidate is open to new ideas and can effectively communicate their own thoughts and ideas.
Sample Answer: I’m always open to design changes because I know they can make my work even better. I’m also always willing to compromise because I know that the final product is what matters most.
Question Overview: Graphic design is a creative field, but it’s also a business. This question will reveal how a candidate approaches a design project from a business perspective.
Sample Answer: I’ll start by gathering information about the client’s business and goals, then brainstorm ideas and sketch out mockups. I’ll present my initial designs to the client for feedback, then iterate on the design until we reach a final result that meets their needs.
Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge a candidate’s experience in a specific area of graphic design. For example, if you’re hiring a graphic designer for your marketing team, you may ask about their experience creating infographics or designing web banners.
Sample Answer: I’ve been designing infographics for the past two years. I’ve designed hundreds of infographics for clients in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare and retail.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to determine if a candidate has done their research on the graphic design industry and is realistic about what they can expect to earn.
Sample Answer: I think a good salary for a graphic designer is $50,000 – $60,000 per year.
Question Overview: Graphic designers are often passionate about social causes, so this question will help you determine if a candidate is truly committed to giving back to the community.
Sample Answer: I’m passionate about animal welfare and have volunteered at the local humane society for the past three years. I also donate 10% of my graphic design services to local non-profits.
Question Overview: This question will give you insight into a candidate’s personality and how they view their strengths and weaknesses.
Sample Answer: I’m a great listener and I’m able to effectively communicate my ideas to clients. I also have a knack for understanding what the client wants and translating that into a design that meets their needs.